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Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma could be out for a month with a quad muscle injury.

What’s the word?

The defender has only just returned to action for the Hammers having missed a number of recent Premier League games due to a knee injury.

Indeed, he played against Everton and helped David Moyes’ men keep a clean sheet in the 2-0 win at home as he completed the game, getting 90 minutes under his belt.

In an update now shared on The West Ham Way Patreon page, Ex revealed that the player had some bruising after the game and while he was initially expected to recover from that, further scans have shown a more serious problem.

He explained: “It was said to us (and other sources such as Sean Whetstone and Claret and Hugh) that after the game Kurt Zouma had reported bruising to his thigh but that he should be fit to play the next game.

“Zouma returned to training today and the bruising had gone down but the pain had not. Following scans to the thigh, it appears he has sustained a quad muscle injury.

“This injury could keep him out for up to a month it is feared. Zouma is known to make quick recoveries from injuries and this will be the hope now.

“One positive is that it isn’t connected to the knee injury but nonetheless is another massive injury blow to the club. West Ham will probably now move in the market to sign another centre-back with [Craig] Dawson departed and Zouma injured. This centre-back is likely to be a loan signing and we will update you as we hear.”

Bad news…

Of course, this isn’t the only bad bit of injury news West Ham have faced this week. Indeed, new £15m January singing Danny Ings is also set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an issue with his knee.

With the club struggling for form, this really is the last thing Moyes need right now. What’s more, Zouma has only just recovered from knee surgery that he underwent during the break for the World Cup.

Thankfully, as Ex makes clear, this current injury seems to be a different issue altogether but that doesn’t mean this won’t still be a massive headache for all of those involved with the club.

Indeed, they have just sold Craig Dawson to Wolves, presumably thinking they have enough squad depth to get by. Now, though, West Ham may have to act fast in the remaining time left in the winter window to bring in some extra defensive cover.

Everton have found themselves struggling once again in the Premier League this season, and a new update has emerged from a reliable source on just how deep the club’s troubles may have become.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s Everton reporter Patrick Boyland, the Merseyside club will not be able to financially compete with their relegation rivals during the January transfer window due to financial constraints.

As per the report, Boyland reveals that whilst the likes of Southampton, Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers strengthen their squads with permanent deals this month, Everton will need to find loan deals, arrange options to buy or strike deals with clubs willing to part ways with their players on instalment plans.

Aston Villa have already rejected Everton’s loan advances for Danny Ings, with Boyland claiming that Kevin Thelwell and Frank Lampard have inherited a mess and are expected to turn water into wine in the transfer market.

It’s worrying for Lampard

There is no doubt that the financial concerns plaguing Everton will be taking their toll on Lampard and have put him in a position where he has one hand behind his back whilst trying to save the club from its first relegation since the Premier League was established in 1992.

The Toffees are currently 18th in the Premier League after collecting just 15 points from a possible 54 over their first 18 matches, and the game against Southampton at Goodison Park this weekend could well be crucial to the club’s future, as the manager could reportedly lose his job if the result isn’t positive.

Indeed, Lampard was afforded a healthy budget during the summer when he signed eight new players including Idrissa Gueye, Amadou Onana, Dwight McNeil and James Garner. However, the injury problems which have plagued the club over the last 18 months have been a huge factor in their continued downfall.

Last season, Everton had the worst injury record in the entire Premier League and this term are on course to claim the damning statistic again, as they have suffered severe injuries again to key players.  Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alex Iwobi, Yerry Mina, Nathan Patterson, Abdoulaye Doucoure and even Jordan Pickford have all sat on the sidelines at some point this season.

Lampard must now hope his team can fight for their top-flight status once again by claiming all three points in front of the home crowd this weekend, as it could be a pivotal game in their pursuit for a comfortable finish at the end of the season. Defeat would be unimaginable and could yet again change the outlook at Everton, especially if the hierarchy sack the manager.

It is an uncertain and unstable time at Goodison Park, but with 20 leagues matches left to play, there is still plenty of time for Everton to come out at the other side unscathed.

However, the scale of transfer activity conducted this month could be pivotal in determining the side of the dotted line on which Lampard’s team finish at the end of May, and Boyland’s report certainly doesn’t bode too well for the Toffees.

Manchester United have been replenishing the ranks since the managerial appointment of Erik ten Hag from AFC Ajax earlier this year. 

United’s Dutch boss spent around £211m last summer, as per Transfermarkt, with the forthcoming transfer expenditure showing little sign of slowing down, with a host of winter targets outlined.

And now, according to French outlet Media Foot, the Red Devils have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of a new right-back, with Olympique Lyonnais marauder Malo Gusto reportedly the centre of a looming transfer bid. 

Diogo Dalot is unquestionably United’s first-choice option down the defensive right-flank, but with Aaron Wan-Bissaka both the only alternative option and far from trusted to play a regular role in Ten Hag’s plans – his start in the Carabao Cup against Burnley last week was only his second showing of the season – a fresh face could soon be deployed into the fold. 

Valencia 2.0

With the report stating that Man United could clinch a deal for the prodigious 19-year-old for €30m (£26m), the deal could well blossom into fruition in the coming weeks.

Due to his youth, Gusto could slowly integrate into the senior set-up, learning from Dalot – who followed a similar path after playing a largely peripheral role since his £19m move from FC Porto in 2018 – and serving as an understudy, hoping to impress when gifted inclusion.

The signs for his career trajectory are certainly promising; as per FBref, the talent ranks within the top 5% for passes attempted, the top 17% for rate of assists and the top 19% for interceptions, when compared to positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year. 

And having made 14 appearances for Lyon in Ligue 1 this term, starting on each occasion, Gusto is already slotting the blocks into place, gaining valuable experience and nurturing his multi-faceted approach to his play.

Should Ten Hag get a deal over the line, he could gift the Theatre of Dreams with Antonio Valencia reborn, a new presence down the right with all the attributes necessary to flourish among eminent figures at one of football’s very greatest outfits. 

Valencia signed for United for £16m from Wigan Athletic in 2009, a versatile and pacy player that captivated fans with his dogged mentality and persistence as both a winger and a right-back over his lengthy stay at Old Trafford.

Making 339 appearances for the Manchester side, the Ecuadorian scored 25 goals and made 62 more, winning a host of major honours such as two Premier League trophies, the FA Cup and the Europa League, and Gusto, who might just be something “special” – as praised by one statistical site – could emulate the feats of a past star at Man United.

Indeed, he is equally as creative and like the former Red Devil, possesses the tools to play as a right winger and further back in defence. It might not be the most eye-catching of deals but Valencia more than proved to be a reliable pair of hands. Gusto may well be the same.

Arsenal are flying this season, topping the Premier League and qualifying in first position of their Europa League group, and now look to bolster the squad this winter.

What’s the word?

The midfield department is one key area that Gunners owner Stan Kroenke wishes to inject fresh life into, with concerns that the current crop might suffer a lapse in the marathon campaign, with Manchester City chasing the club for the league title. 

InterLive names Arsenal alongside Aston Villa in eyeing a swoop for set-piece specialist Hakan Calhanoglu, who could serve as an excellent alternative for the touted Youri Tielemans, who Arsenal are among heated suitors in striving for his signature.

But with intrigue from the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, Arsenal must search for contingencies in the scenario that they fail to secure their man, and Calhanoglu could adopt the position in resounding fashion, though he’s likely to cost in the region of £26m.

The next Cazorla?

The balance of Arteta’s team is unequivocally harmonious, with 11 shipped goals a joint-divisional best, with free-flowing Manchester City the only other outfit to outscore the north London giants. 

However, the board are right to express concerns over the depth of the squad, with title rivals City boasting a pool far deeper. 

Calhanoglu has made 20 appearances for the Nerazzurri this term, scoring three goals and gifting five assists for his teammates from his industrious seat at the heart of the team. 

While the Turkish international adopts the deeper, No.8 role, he possesses plenty of offensive aptitude and is capable of unlocking defences with fierce strikes and calculated forward balls.

And the 28-year-old maestro holds semblance to former Arsenal icon Santi Cazorla, with the long-range passing and orchestrating ability from the centre qualities that Cazorla implemented into his game with aplomb. 

As per FBref, the 74-cap midfielder ranks within the top percentile for assists and shot-creating actions this term, whilst also in the top 6% for shots taken and the top 16% for attempted passes, when compared to positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues throughout the past year. 

And Sofascore rate the ace’s seasonal Italian Serie A rating at a commendable 7.38, with his 87% pass accuracy threading together with an average of 2.1 tackles per match, highlighting the robust approach that does little to dissuade the Gunners from making a move.

It is the “exceptional” Calhanoglu’s incentive to seek out forward-thinking patterns – as praised by former manager Stefano Piolo – that has likely attracted the interest of Arsenal technical director Edu, with Arteta welcoming the addition of a player that can provide auxiliary for the frontline.

With shades of Cazorla, the Inter maestro could quickly become a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium if he were to make the switch and could prove invaluable in the hunt for silverware, which becomes a more concrete possibility with each match that Arsenal play.

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a move for Leeds United youngster, Cody Drameh, although are expected to face competition for the defender’s signature.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old ahead of a potential swoop when the market re-opens in January, albeit with the Premier League outfit set to face rival interest from clubs across Europe.

Writing on Twitter about that interest, the transfer guru revealed: “Cody Drameh, attracting interest as many clubs are keen on signing him in January from Leeds. Borussia Dortmund, Lille and Bayer Leverkusen alongside Newcastle are following the English right back as talent for the future.”

This follows a report from the Daily Mail which also claimed that the northeast side are ‘tracking’ the young Englishman at present, having also been linked with a move for West Ham United starlet Harrison Ashby in recent times.

‘Future’ of St James’ Park

As Romano alluded, Drameh may well be a talent ‘for the future’ who can go on to be nurtured and developed under Eddie Howe in the coming years, with the St James’ Park outfit seemingly chasing a young understudy for undisputed first-choice, Kieran Trippier, at right-back.

With Emil Krafth currently sidelined with an ACL injury and with Javier Manquillo seemingly surplus to requirements – the Spaniard making just two appearances this season – the arrival of the Leeds prospect could well be needed in the New Year, with the exciting talent potentially able to be the long-term heir to 32-year-old, Trippier at the club.

While the England U21 international has been restricted to just two senior appearances at Elland Road this season – as a result of the presence of Rasmus Kristensen and Luke Ayling – the London-born machine notably impressed on loan at Cardiff City last term, providing three assists in 23 games for the Championship outfit.

That form saw the 5 foot 9 star – who has been valued at around £3.5m, as per CIES Football Observatory – swoop two end-of-season awards for the Bluebirds despite only joining the club in January, having been lauded for his “excellent” displays by former boss, Steve Morison.

Something of a “Duracell bunny” down the right flank – in the words of Morison – the energetic and relentless gem seemingly showcased what he could do during that promising temporary stint in Wales, having seen chances limited back in Yorkshire since joining from Fulham in 2020.

The mere fact that the Cottagers academy graduate has caught the eye of notable clubs on the continent is a sign of just what a talent he truly is, with Howe and co needing to act quickly to try and secure Drameh’s signature.

He may not provide a instant impact in the short term, although in the long-term Newcastle could well reap the rewards of such an astute investment.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has personally set his sights on signing in-form Rennes forward Martin Terrier, according to reports from France.

The Lowdown: New forwards needed?

Romelu Lukaku’s summer loan exit to Inter Milan and the patchy form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has arguably highlighted the Blues’ need for new centre-forward options.

There are few natural goalscorers in Potter’s current squad, although you could make a case for the likes of Raheem Sterling and Armando Broja, with Chelsea now potentially looking to the transfer market for solutions.

This comes amid a new era at Stamford Bridge, with American tycoon and owner Todd Boehly now looking to make the west London side a major Premier League force again.

The Latest: Potter green-lights Chelsea move for Terrier…

According to Jeunes Footeux, it appears that Potter has personally given the green light for Chelsea to move for Rennes star Terrier, whose form could make him an outside bet to make France’s 2022 World Cup squad.

It’s claimed that the Chelsea manager has asked his board to target at least one attacking signing in January and has recommended a move for the 25-year-old to solve his goalscoring problems.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Terrier has been one of the continent’s most deadly forward players since the beginning of 2021/22.

Scorer of 21 goals and provider of four assists in Ligue 1 alone last season, the attacker has followed on from that dazzling campaign with eight goals and three assists in just 13 starts so far this term (WhoScored).

Journalist Graeme Bailey claims that there are ‘few better players in Europe’ right now than Terrier, while other members of the press have called him ‘sublime’.

The Frenchman could certainly be a viable candidate to add some much-needed fire power to Potter’s ranks at Chelsea.

Liverpool will face one of their biggest challenge of the season this weekend when they take on Manchester City at Anfield, and manager Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that the outstanding display in the Champions League against Rangers this week will inspire confidence in his team going forward.

The Reds are currently experiencing their worst start to a Premier League season in a decade with just ten points tallied up out of a possible 24 over their eight outings so far, which has led them to fall into 11th place matching Everton and Brentford for points.

As a result, the Liverpool manager has been trying to shake up his team and reignite their form with several formation changes and rotations of players to find the solution, something that he finally nailed in the 7-1 victory at the Ibrox on Wednesday night.

One player who shone in the adapted system against the Scottish side this week was Harvey Elliott, scoring his first-ever Champions League goal during the clash.

The talented midfielder’s future in the newly-formed formation, with just two midfielders playing in the starting line-up, was questioned by Ian Wright this week after the Arsenal legend questioned how the successful set-up can benefit Elliott:

“Where’s Harvey Elliott going to play in that midfield?” Wright asked on the Kelly and Wrighty show.

“He’s not going to be a Jordan Henderson who goes and fills in for Trent [Alexander-Arnold]; he’s a more creative midfielder.”

As a result, Klopp could now unleash the 21-year-old in a more advanced role on the wide right against Manchester City, a position he excelled in as he grew into the game against Rangers.

Elliott was outstanding over his 90-minute appearance taking 75 touches, making one key pass, two clearances and one tackle, with two shots on target, as well as winning five duels and of course, scoring the seventh goal for Liverpool.

The teenager’s performance is proof of how much more beneficial it is to have the player in the right wide position to give him the freedom to create between the lines and pick up the ball from deep to build an attacking threat against opponents.

Whilst Mohammed Salah is proving how effective he can be in the striker role, it could be the perfect opportunity to give Elliott a shot on the right wing but just playing the midfielder on the right, in general, could be the key to improving the connection between the centre of the pitch and the forward line.

With that being said, Elliott could be Klopp’s secret weapon in the Premier League this weekend and maybe the element of predictability that allows Liverpool to take their first victory since they beat Newcastle United back in August.

Everton made plenty of shrewd signings under David Moyes’ 11-year tenure, many of whom were later sold on for huge profits.

He was often forced to work on a shoestring budget, and the Toffees continuously overperformed with regard to the opposition and their spending power.

One such example of a fine piece of business was when he managed to pick up Joleon Lescott from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The defender joined as a fresh-faced 23-year-old in 2006 for just £5m, having come through the ranks at the Old Gold to make a whopping 227 appearances for them.

However, upon moving to Goodison Park he was quickly turned into one of the league’s more impressive defenders. This was a trait of Moyes’, as he had a clever nose for sniffing out defensive talent and growing it into something special.

Whilst at Sunderland he once again recruited the 6 foot 2 gem to Wearside, where he labelled him a “leader” who was capable of being an important player for his side.

After just 143 appearances on Merseyside, having scored a fine 17 goals whilst finishing in the top half throughout all of his seasons, Manchester City came calling.

As a side in transition, they were in need of players who could take them to the next level without being too high a standard that they would dismiss their revolution.

They were forced to pay £22m to secure the 6 foot 3 defender’s services, marking a 340% return on their initial signing just three years prior.

The now 40-year-old enjoyed a fine career spanning multiple Premier League clubs, and he managed to win every domestic honour available to him with the Cityzens.

However, despite being at the club for five years, two more than he was at Goodison Park for, he only made 17 more appearances for the Sky Blues.

Many were infuriated when Lescott made the decision to leave, citing financial advances as his main motivator. However, at the end of the day, he was a fine defender for Everton and eventually left for a huge profit. There is not much to complain about.

It marks one of many occasions where under Moyes they hit the jackpot on an unknown talent, which has been somewhat undone by Farhad Moshiri’s reckless spending in recent years.

Newcastle United appear to have dodged a bullet regarding their failure to sign Brazil international Philippe Coutinho, with the 30-year-old having endured an underwhelming start to the new season at current side Aston Villa.

The former Barcelona playmaker had previously been heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park prior to the winter window, with it looking as if the 69-cap gem would be the first high-profile addition of the new PIF era.

While no January move came to fruition, there were further reports towards the tail end of last season that suggested that the Magpies could try and hijack Villa’s permanent deal for the one-time Liverpool man, albeit with the player ultimately opting to join the Midlands side for a fee of around £17m.

That switch looked like a real coup for Steven Gerrard and co at the time, although the early signs are that it could well prove to be something of a mistake for the former European champions, with those back on Tyneside perhaps thankful that they failed to strike an agreement.

While the new campaign is still in its infancy, the £18m-rated man has failed to score nor register a single assist in the Premier League thus far, having previously scored five goals and laid on three assists in just 19 games in the second half of last season after joining on loan.

Amid the current collective struggles at Villa Park, one issue has been just how to get the Brazilian into the starting lineup, with the creative midfielder seemingly vying for a regular berth alongside Emi Buendia.

Having such a marquee name resigned to the bench – with just three top-flight starts to his name so far – is not an ideal situation for Gerrard and co, although it represents just how disappointing the former Anfield hero has been of late.

Coutinho’s average match rating of 6.60, as per SofaScore, is currently only the 17th best in the Villans squad, with it hard to see how he is justifying his reported £125k-per-week salary.

Pundit Kevin Phillips had previously suggested that dishing out such a hefty wage could well cause a “problem” in the Villa dressing room, with such a disparity between him and the rest potentially a source of disruption.

Those at Newcastle having seemingly been careful not to cause their own problems by astutely walking away from deals due to exorbitant wage demands, with Coutinho’s arrival likely to have unbalanced what appears to be a harmonious squad at Howe’s disposal.

It may seem bizarre to say of a player who was previously dubbed a “creative genius” by Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson and once cost a reported £142m following his move to the Camp Nou, yet it could well have been a bullet dodged for Newcastle by not signing the seemingly fading force.

Everton have been linked with a move for Armando Broja throughout the transfer window so far, and now a new update has emerged that has given the club a huge boost in their pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Northern football correspondent for iNews Mark Douglas, the young Chelsea striker is keen on a move to Goodison Park.

As per the report written by Douglas, Everton have been in constant dialogue with Chelsea over the potential signing of Broja which is believed to be remaining separate from their interest in Anthony Gordon.

Broja is looking for first-team football after a successful season on loan with Southampton and Everton are currently more than willing to provide that.

Perfect DCL heir

There is no doubt that Frank Lampard will be delighted with the news that Broja is keen to make the move to Everton in the coming days and weeks remaining in the transfer window for a number of reasons.

The former Chelsea boss is a huge admirer of the Albanian striker and even gave him his Premier League debut at Stamford Bridge when he was managing the club back in 2020, and more recently lavished Broja with praise for his development whilst on loan with Southampton last season.

Lampard told the press ahead of a clash between Everton and the Saints:

“He’s a very nice, very good lad and a very talented young boy.

“He’s fast, strong, has a real eye for goal and he’s a very, very good young player.”

Everton are in desperate need of a striker, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin currently injured for at least the next month ahead, and Broja could be the perfect heir to not only replace the Toffees centre-forward over his absence from the team but also to become the next star striker at Goodison Park.

The £50m-valued talent who was previously dubbed “devastating” by Albania’s assistant manager, Sergio Porrini, showed glimmers of his ability in front of goal during his season-long loan at St Mary’s last season, scoring nine goals and delivering one assist during his stay on the south coast, and now Lampard could pick up where he left in continuing the development of Broja’s skills.

Just like Calvert-Lewin, Broja is effective in winning the ball high to beat his opponents in the final third, using his 6 foot 2 stature to win the majority of his aerial duels last season. The youngster ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for that particular area of the game whilst Calvert-Lewin ranks in the top 5% for aerial duels won.

With that being said, if Everton can finally sign the talented striker this summer it would be a major coup and a great piece of business. It would not only present them with cover for injuries but it would give them a fantastic prospect for the future, as Broja could quite easily become Calvert-Lewin’s heir at the club considering his finishing and aerial ability.